I don’t agree with the views expressed by the writer Carl Bildt in his article “Ukraine needs weapons” (Feb. 23). The writer appears to ignore the ground realities in Ukraine. Arming Ukraine will only prolong the conflict. Moscow will, of course, not sit idly by and let the West arm Ukraine. Such a move will only create further mess. I blame the West for starting an ugly game in Russia’s backyard. Truth be told, Ukraine can only be a natural ally of Russia not the European Union (EU). We cannot ignore historical facts. No country can allow anybody to hurt its strategic interests. The western analysts are unnecessarily raising the bogey of yet another Cold War. The world cannot afford more conflicts. The western and European powers should try to soften their stance on Ukraine and Kiev should also try to assess the situation in a more realistic manner.

Parveen Shakir

Jubail